# Move, zoom & frame the map

Official GBMaps guide for the classic map maker. VectorMaps has a different interface.

Source: https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures
Updated: 2026-09-29

Map movement changes the composition of the artwork on the page. Place the pointer over the map itself when you want to move or zoom the map; the key has its own gestures.

![Move, zoom & frame the map — current GBMaps controls](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/help/images/navigation.png)

The current panel, with its options expanded where useful. Select a numbered circle to read its explanation.

## 1. Scroll over the map to zoom

Roll the wheel or use your trackpad’s scroll gesture over the map to change its scale. Zoom in for small districts or sectors, then zoom out to check the overall composition. Double-click also zooms the SVG map, but use the wheel or +/− while colouring to avoid combining quick colouring clicks with a zoom. If the key changes size, move the pointer off the key first.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--wheel)

## 2. Drag the map to reposition it

Press and hold on the map, move the pointer, then release. This moves the map within the page without changing which territory owns a polygon. A quick click is a colouring action, so make a deliberate drag. Switch off Place on map or Place centre on map first if a marker or circle is being repositioned.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--drag)

## 3. Minus and plus

Use − to zoom out and + to zoom in. They are useful if your mouse has no wheel or you want an obvious control on a touch screen. Zooming can also change which boundary level is selected for colouring, so keep an eye on Colour:.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--buttons)

## 4. Fit map

Restores the map’s starting scale and position. Use it if you have zoomed too far in, moved the map out of sight, or want to start framing the page again. It does not clear your territory colours. The key has its own Reset position button.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--fit)

## 5. Move map and the arrow pad

Opens the directional controls. Use the arrows to move the artwork up, down, left or right; holding an arrow continues the movement. The centre button fits the map. Click away or press Escape to close the pad.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--move)

## 6. Working on a touch screen

Tap a territory name and then a polygon to colour it. Use a deliberate drag to move the map and a two-finger pinch to zoom. The visible +, − and Move map controls are useful when a small polygon or a crowded key makes touch gestures awkward. A placement mode takes priority over ordinary colouring.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--touch)

## 7. Open or tuck away the sidebar

Click a menu heading to open its controls; opening another menu closes the previous panel. If the opened panel would run off the screen, the sidebar gently scrolls as the menu opens to show more of it. Long panels stop with their heading still visible. You can scroll up or down yourself at any time. Use the handle at the side of the sidebar to make more room for the map, then use it again to bring the menus back. In On Google the sidebar is intentionally unavailable.

[Open this step](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=map-gestures#map-gestures--sidebar)

## Related guides

- [Click, drag & resize the key](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=key-gestures)
- [Portrait, landscape & square pages](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=orientation)
- [Colour whole areas or smaller districts](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=colour-mode)
- [On Google: explore the geographic preview](https://www.gbmaps.com/mcs/map-help.php?topic=google)